Crossbow with interchangeable buttstock

ABSTRACT

A crossbow may include a buttstock assembly including at least two buttstocks that may alternatively be attached to a main beam. In some embodiments, one or more buttstocks may be attached at more than one location on crossbow main beam. In some embodiments, one or more buttstocks may have shoulder engaging surfaces that can be adjusted to more than one location with respect to the buttstock frame.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/268,388, titled Crossbow With Interchangeable Buttstock, filed Feb. 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND A. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses related to crossbows and more specifically to methods and apparatuses related to crossbow buttstocks.

B. Description of Related Art

Crossbows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and fishing, and for target shooting. In general, a crossbow includes a main beam and a bow mechanism supported to the main beam. The bow mechanism may have a pair of bow limbs and a bowstring engaged to the bow limbs. Often the bow mechanism has wheels on the bow limbs that receive the bowstring but this is not always the case. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and operable to hold the bowstring and to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow to shoot an arrow or bolt. The bowstring may be movable from an un-cocked position (sometimes referred to as an undrawn position) to a cocked position where the trigger mechanism holds the bowstring (sometimes referred to as a drawn position). This movement of the bowstring is typically referred to as cocking the crossbow, cocking the bow mechanism, and/or cocking the bowstring.

Sometimes crossbow main beams have two sections or segments, a barrel (sometimes simply referred to as the main beam) and a buttstock. Typically, the barrel/main beam is at the distal end and the bow mechanism is attached to it. The buttstock is usually at the proximal end and is positioned against the user's shoulder when the crossbow is being aimed and/or fired.

While many known crossbow main beams having buttstocks work well for their intended purposes, it may be desirable to improve the options for a user to combine different buttstocks with a given main beam. It may also be desirable to improve the options for a user to change the length of the main beam by adjusting the buttstock.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; and 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the first buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the first buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) having a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and 2) a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; wherein the buttstock assembly is selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam.

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; and 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock including: (a) a frame; (b) a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame; (c) a first latching mechanism supported to the frame; (d) a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (e) a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and 2) a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; wherein the buttstock assembly is selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam; wherein the first latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the first buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A2 that is distinct from distance A1; and 2) detach the first buttstock from the main beam.

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow method may include the steps of: A) providing a crossbow including: 1) a main beam extending longitudinally and having: (a) a proximal end; (b) a distal end opposite the proximal end; (c) a right lateral side; and (d) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 2) a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: (a) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; (b) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and (c) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs; and 3) a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam; B) providing a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock including: (a) a frame; (b) a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame; (c) a first latching mechanism supported to the frame; (d) a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (e) a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and 3) a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; C) providing the bowstring to be selectively movable proximally between: 1) an un-cocked position; and 2) a cocked position; D) providing the trigger mechanism to be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; E) providing the buttstock assembly to be selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam; and F) providing the first latching mechanism to be selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the first buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A2 that is distinct from distance A1; and 2) detach the first buttstock from the main beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a right side view of a crossbow according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a close-up right side view of a crossbow with the bowstring in the cocked position.

FIG. 4 is an assembly drawing of a trigger mechanism according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a trigger mechanism and a claw.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of a claw in a storage condition on the bottom of the crossbow main beam with some parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a first side view inside a winch housing with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a second side view, opposite the first side view shown in FIG. 7 , inside the winch housing with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the winch shown the housing/wrap surfaces.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a crank handle.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of a claw.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a top view of a claw showing the cord portions being received on spools with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 14 is a perspective bottom view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16 is a side view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing how the claw may engage the main beam.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing how the claw may be placed into a storage condition on the main beam.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a cord portion.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the claw in a storage condition on the main beam.

FIG. 22 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 23 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 24 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 25 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 27 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 28 is a side view showing a buttstock engaging surface according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a buttstock according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view showing a latching mechanism according to some embodiments of this invention with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 31 shows a buttstock attached to the main beam at a first distance from the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 32 shows the buttstock of FIG. 31 attached to the main beam at a second distance from the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view showing a latching mechanism according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 34 shows a shoulder positioned a first distance from the buttstock frame.

FIG. 35 shows the shoulder of FIG. 34 positioned a second distance from the buttstock frame.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a buttstock according to some embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present subject matter only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1-2 show a crossbow 10 that may have a buttstock assembly according to some embodiments of this invention. It should be understood that any crossbow having a main beam that can receive a buttstock chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art will work with embodiments of this invention. Non-limiting examples of crossbow types that work with this invention include Recurve Crossbows, Compound Crossbows, Rifle Crossbows, and Reverse Draw Crossbows.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3 , the crossbow 10 may have a main beam 12 extending longitudinally from a proximal end 26 to a distal end 28. The main beam 12 may define a right lateral side 23, a left lateral side 25, a top side 27 and a bottom side 29. An arrow receiving surface 24 may be adapted to receive an arrow/bolt (not shown). In some embodiments, the arrow receiving surface 24 maybe a groove. The arrow receiving surface 24 may be formed on the top side 27 of the main beam 12. A buttstock 36 may be engaged to the proximal end 26 of the main beam 12 as will be discussed further below. A railing 40 may be supported directly or indirectly (such as via a later described trigger mechanism) to the main beam 12. Optional components, such as a scope 42, may be supported to the railing 40. The crossbow 10 may include a bow mechanism 14 supported to the main beam 12. The bow mechanism 14 may include a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs 16, 16 extending transversely from opposite lateral sides 23, 25 of the main beam 12 and a bowstring 18 operatively engaged to the bow limbs 16. The bowstring 18 may be movable from an un-cocked position (shown in FIGS. 1-2 ) to a cocked position (shown in FIG. 3 ). The bow mechanism 14 may be supported directly to the main beam 12 or may be, in the embodiments shown, supported to the main beam 12 via a riser 20 (seen best in FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, wheels 22, 22 (which may be pulleys, cams, or the like) may be pivotally supported to the bow limbs 16, 16, respectively, as shown. The bowstring 18 may be operatively engaged to the wheels 22, 22.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-5 , the crossbow 10 may have a trigger mechanism 60 supported to the main beam 12 and selectively operable to hold the bowstring 18 in the cocked position and to release the bowstring 18 to fire the crossbow 10/bowstring 18. Any trigger mechanism 60 chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art, may be used with this invention. For the embodiments shown, the trigger mechanism 60 is similar to the trigger mechanism shown in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 11,002,505, titled DE-COCK MECHANISM FOR A CROSSBOW (“the '505 Patent”), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Because a full description of the operation of the trigger mechanism is disclosed in the '505 Patent, details will not be provided here. Instead, some of the primary components will be listed and only a brief description of operation will be provided.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5 , the trigger mechanism 60 may include a housing 400, a string latch 402, a trigger link 404, a trigger 408 and one or more trigger interconnecting members 406 that operatively interconnect the trigger 66 with the trigger link 64. The trigger 66 may be operated in a known manner to fire the crossbow 10/bowstring 18. A dry-fire inhibitor mechanism may include a dry-fire link 410. A de-cock mechanism may include a de-cock link 412, a de-cock activator 414 and a de-cock lock 416. A safety mechanism may include a safety activator 418 and a safety lock 420. A reset activator 422 may be selectively operated to adjust the position of the de-cock activator 414 and the safety activator 418. The trigger mechanism 60 may include an arrow retention brush 500 seen best in FIG. 5 and used as well known to those of skill in the art.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5-6 and 9 , the crossbow 10 may include a cocking mechanism adapted to be used by an associated user to move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. In some embodiments, the cocking mechanism uses a stirrup 50 mounted to the distal end 28 of the main beam 12 directly or via riser 20. In this case, the user places the stirrup 50 onto the ground and places a foot in the stirrup 50. By applying the user's body weight to the grounded stirrup 50, the user can manually draw the bowstring 18 into the cocked position. In other embodiments, the cocking mechanism 30 may include a claw 32 adapted to engage the bowstring 18 and a drawing mechanism 34 adapted to move the claw 32 along the main beam 12 and thereby move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. The drawing mechanism 34 may include a winch 600 chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. For the embodiment shown, the winch 600 is similar to the winch shown in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/314,780, titled CROSSBOW WITH WINCH (“the '780 Application”), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Because a full description of the operation of the winch is disclosed in the '780 Application, details will not be provided here. Instead, some of the primary components will be listed and only a brief description of operation will be provided.

With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6-9 and 13 , the winch 600 may include a winch housing 602 supported to the main beam 12. The winch 600 may include a pair of spools 604, 604 engaged to a spool shaft 700. Later to be described cord portions may be selectively wrappable onto and off of the spools 604, 604. As used herein, and unless otherwise noted, to “spool in” is to wrap the cord portions onto/around the spools 604, 604 and to “spool out” is to unwrap the cord portions off of the spools 604, 604. One spool 604 may be positioned on the right lateral side 23 of the main beam 12 and the other spool 604 may be positioned on the left lateral side 25, as seen in FIG. 13 . A spool gear 702 may also be engaged on the spool shaft 700. Rotation of the spoil gear 702 may cause rotation of the spool shaft 700 which may cause the spools 604, 604 to rotate. Spool shaft 700 may rotate about spool shaft axis 804. A drive gear 704 may engage a drive shaft 800 and may have gear teeth that engage gear teeth on the spool gear 702. The drive shaft 800 may include threads that engage threads on a receiver 708.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-10 , the winch 600 may include a clutch gear assembly 710 that may be operatively engaged with the drive gear 704 to permit free rotation of the drive gear 704 in a first direction of rotation but to permit only damped rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite that of the first direction of rotation. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the clutch gear assembly 710 may be operatively engaged with the drive gear 704 to permit free rotation of the drive gear 704 in the spool in direction, but to permit only damped rotation in the spool out direction opposite that of the spool in direction. The clutch gear assembly 710 may include a plate gear 712, which may be a pressure plate gear. The plate gear 712 may be selectively rotatable with respect to the winch housing 602. Because the receiver 708 is threadedly engaged with threads on the drive shaft 800, the components between the receiver 708 and the drive shaft 800 may be compressed together with a compressive load adjustable by changing the amount of threaded engagement between the receiver 708 and the drive shaft 800. A manually rotatable crank handle, chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art, may be used to rotate the receiver 708. Crank handle 1000 shown in FIG. 10 , is one non-limiting example. Crank handle 1000 has a grip 1002 and a drive connection 1004 interconnected by an elongated lever 1006. The drive connection 1004 may be a square drive or other drive connection chosen with sound engineering judgment. The drive connection 1004 may include a ball adapted to engage a detent in a part adapted to mate therewith such as, without limitation, the receiver 708.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-9 , the clutch gear assembly 710 may include a brake gear 714 selectively rotatable about a brake shaft 716 and a one way bearing 718 received on the brake shaft 716. Flats on the brake shaft 716 may engage with corresponding flats in the winch housing 602 to prevent or impede rotation of the brake shaft 716 with respect to the winch housing 602. The brake gear 714 may be operatively engaged with the one way bearing 718 so that both the one way bearing 718 and the brake gear 714 are free to rotate in a first direction, the spool in direction, but do not rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction, the spool out direction. Brake gear teeth may engage plate gear teeth with the result being that the plate gear 712 is free to rotate in the spool in direction but is locked by the engaged brake gear 714 from rotating in the spool out direction.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 6-9 , the winch 600 may include a spiral spring 802 having a radially inward end engaged to the spool shaft 700 and a radially outward end that operatively engages a surface within the spool housing 602. As a result, the spiral spring 802 may bias the spool shaft 700 to rotate in the spool out direction. In some embodiments, the winch 600 is pawl-less. This means that it does not include a pawl. Pawls, as is well known to those of skill in the art, create an undesirable sound when they are operated. The winch 600 in some embodiments of this invention, does not create the undesirable pawl sound as no pawl is used.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, 5-6 and 11-18 , the claw 32 may have a proximal end 1100, a distal end 1102, a first lateral side 1200, a second lateral side 1202, a top side 1600 and a bottom side 1602. For the embodiments shown, the first lateral side 1200 is a right lateral side and the second lateral side 1106 is a left lateral side. The claw 32 may have any shape and size chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art. For the embodiments shown, the claw 32 is generally U-shaped having a first leg 1104, a second leg 1106 and a mid-portion 1108 that interconnects the first and second legs 1104, 1106. The claw 32 may also have a bowstring engagement surface 1400 adapted to engage the bowstring 18. The bowstring engagement surface 1400 may be positioned on the first and second legs 1104, 1106 as shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 2 shows the claw 32 engaging the bowstring 18 in the un-cocked condition and FIG. 3 shows the claw 32 engaging the bowstring 18 in the cocked condition.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-3, 5-6 and 11-18 , the claw 32 may have one or more main beam engagement surfaces adapted to engage the main beam 12 when the crossbow is cocked and de-cocked. FIG. 17 shows some embodiments of how the claw 32 may engage the main beam 12. The main beam engagement surfaces may be positioned on the bottom side 1602 and may include an extension 1700 adapted to be received within the arrow receiving surface 24. The claw 32 may also have a claw storage surface 1402. The claw storage surface 1402 may be of any type or shape chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the claw storage surface 1402 is concave shaped. In other embodiments, shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is convex shaped. The claw storage surface 1402 may be positioned on the claw 32 at any location chosen with the sound judgment or person of skilled the art. For the embodiments shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is positioned on the mid-portion 1108 of the claw 32.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 9, 11-17 and 19 , the drawing mechanism 34 may include a first cord portion 200 extending on the right lateral side 23 of the main beam 18 and operatively engaged to the first lateral side 1200 of the claw 32 and a second cord portion 202 extending on the left lateral side 25 of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side 1202 of the claw 32. In some embodiments, the first cord portion 200 is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion 202 is a second end of the single continuous cord. For this embodiment, the single continuous cord may be given reference number 206. The first and second cord portions 200, 202 whether separate or as a single continuous cord, may have a rectangular cross section with a width W and a thickness T. In some embodiments the width W and thickness T are the same for both core portions 200, 202. In alternate embodiments, they are not the same. The ratio W/T, in some embodiments, is at least 3.0.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 9, 11-17 and 19 , proximal ends of the first and second cord portions 200, 202 may be operatively engaged with the spools 604, 604 such that rotation of the spools 604, 604 causes the first and second cord portions 200, 202 to selectively wrap onto and off of the spools 604, 604. Thus, the surfaces of the spools 604, 604 that receive the cord portions can be thought of as wrap surfaces. As shown and as is typical with spools, the spool wrap surfaces are cylindrical and thus are arc shaped. Winch housing 602 may have openings to receive the cord portions. FIG. 9 shows such an opening 904. A similar opening may be provided on the other lateral side of the crossbow. One or more guides 606 (two shown) may be provided near the opening 904 to physically contact and guide the cord portions as they enter and exit the winch housing 602. As described below, when the claw 32 is moved into the storage condition, the cord portions may be wrapped around the winch housing 602. Thus, the surfaces 910 of the housing 602 that are contacted by the cord portions can also be thought of as wrap surfaces. Note that the housing/wrap surfaces 910 are at least partially arc shaped.

With reference now to FIGS. 6, 28 and 36 , a buttstock assembly is here defined as the combination of a buttstock engaging surface and two distinct buttstocks that can selectively alternatively be engaged to the buttstock engaging surface. FIG. 6 , for example, shows a portion of buttstock assembly 610 which may include buttstock engaging surface 612 and buttstock 36 which can be attached to the main beam 12 via buttstock engaging surface 612, as shown. The buttstock assembly 610, in some embodiments, may include buttstock 3600, shown in FIG. 36 , which alternatively may be attached to the main beam 12 via buttstock engaging surface 612. As seen best in FIG. 28 , the buttstock engaging surface 612 may be positioned on the proximal end 26 of the main beam 12. In some embodiments, the buttstock engaging surface 612 may include a longitudinally extending surface 2800 that may have one or more openings 2802.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 6, and 28-29 , buttstock 36 may have a frame 2900 and a main beam engaging surface 2902 supported to the frame 2900 that is adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface 612 to attach the buttstock 36 to the main beam 12 and adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface 612 to detach the buttstock 36 from the main beam 12. For the embodiments shown, the main beam engaging surface 2902 may be the internal surface of an opening, thus a concave surface, that receives the longitudinally extending surface 2800, thus a convex surface, of the main beam 12. In other embodiments, the main beam engaging surface 2902 may be a convex surface and the buttstock engaging surface 612 may be a concave surface. The buttstock 36 may have a shoulder engaging surface 2904 supported to the frame 2900 that is adapted to contact a user's shoulder when firing the crossbow 10. The buttstock 36 may have drawing mechanism 34 supported to the frame 2900 that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position, as explained above. It should be understood, however, that any drawing mechanism adapted to selectively move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position, chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art, may be used.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 6, 28-29 and 36 , buttstock 3600 may have a frame 3602 and a main beam engaging surface 3604 supported to the frame 3602 that is adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface 612 to attach the buttstock 3600 to the main beam 12 and adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface 612 to detach the buttstock 3600 from the main beam 12. The buttstock 3600 may have a shoulder engaging surface 3606 supported to the frame 3602 that is adapted to contact a user's shoulder when firing the crossbow 10. Note that buttstock 3600 does not have a drawing mechanism or anything like it. In fact, buttstock 3600 lacks any mechanism that can even contact the bowstring 18. So, it cannot move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. Instead, to cock the crossbow 10 the user may use the stirrup 50 as explained above.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 6, 28-32 and 36 , in some embodiments buttstock 36 may include a latching mechanism that can be used to attach buttstock 36 to the main beam 12 and to detach the buttstock 36 from the main beam 12. While any latching mechanism chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art may be used with this invention, the latching mechanism 3000 shown includes a latch 3002 engaged to a pin 3004. The latch 3002 may be pivotal about pivot pin 3006 which may be engaged to the frame 2900. The user may press on surface area 3008 of the latch 3002 to cause the latch 3002 to pivot in one direction (clockwise, though also into the page, as shown in FIG. 30 ) about pivot pin 3006. A void area 3010 may be provided in the frame 2900 to enable the latch 3002 to move in this way. Once the latch 3002 has been pivoted a sufficient amount, the pin 3004 will come out of the opening 2802 in the buttstock engaging surface 612 of the main beam 12. The user can then freely move the buttstock 36 proximally or distally with respect to the main beam 12. If it is desired to remove the buttstock 36 from the main beam 12, it can easily be removed. Otherwise, when the buttstock 36 is positioned as desired with the pin 3004 aligned with the corresponding desired opening 2802, the user may pivot the latch 3002 in the opposite direction (counterclockwise, though also out of the page, as shown in FIG. 30 ) about pivot pin 3006 and insert the pin 3004 into that particular opening 2802. In some embodiments, the latch 3002 may be biased into the pin insertion direction. In this case, after the user presses the latch 3002 to release the pin 3004, the user only has to release the latch 3002 when the new buttstock 36 position is achieved and the pin 3004 will automatically enter the desired opening 2802. In any case, the buttstock 36 can be placed at multiple positions with respect to the main beam 12 as desired by the user, effectively changing the overall length of the crossbow. Thus, for example, the latching mechanism 3000 may be used to attach the buttstock 36 to the main beam 12 at first position where the frame 2900 of the buttstock 36 extends proximally from the trigger mechanism 60 a distance A1, as shown in FIG. 31 . The latching mechanism 3000 may also be used to attach the buttstock 36 to the main beam 12 at second position where the frame 2900 of the buttstock 36 extends proximally from the trigger mechanism 60 a distance A2, as shown in FIG. 32 . Additional relative positions may also be possible in some embodiments—as long as there are sufficient openings 2802 for the latching mechanism 3000 to engage. In some embodiments, shown, the buttstock 3600 may be equipped with a similar latching mechanism. In this way, buttstocks 36 and 3600 can easily be interchanged and positioned relative to the main beam.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 33-36 , in some embodiments the shoulder engaging surface of the buttstock 36 may be selectively positionable into multiple positions with respect to frame 2900 of the buttstock 36. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished using a latching mechanism chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. The shoulder engaging surface of the buttstock 36 may be positioned on a shoulder 3300 that may have at least one buttstock frame engaging surface 3302 (two shown) that enables the shoulder 3300 to be attached to and moved relative to the buttstock frame 2900. The frame 2900 may include a matching shoulder engaging surface(s) 3308 that engages the buttstock frame engaging surface 3302. In some embodiments, the buttstock frame engaging surface 3302 may include a longitudinally extending surface 3304 that may have one or more openings 3306 and the shoulder engaging surface 3308 of the frame 2900 is the inner surface defining an opening. The latching mechanism 3310 shown may be similar to latching mechanism 3000 and include a latch 3312 engaged to a pin 3314. The latch 3312 may be pivotal about pivot pin 3316 which may be engaged to the frame 2900. The user may press on surface area 3318 of the latch 3312 to cause the latch 3312 to pivot in one direction (counterclockwise, though also into the page, as shown in FIG. 33 ) about pivot pin 3316. A void area 3010 may be provided in the frame 2900 to enable the latch 3312 to move in this way. Once the latch 3312 has been pivoted a sufficient amount, the pin 3314 will come out of the opening 3306 in the shoulder 3300. The user can then freely move the shoulder 3300 proximally or distally with respect to the frame 2900. If it is desired to remove the shoulder 3300 from the frame 2900, it can easily be removed. Otherwise, when the shoulder 3300 is positioned as desired with the pin 3314 aligned with the corresponding other opening 3306, the user may pivot the latch 3312 in the opposite direction (clockwise, though also into the page, as shown in FIG. 33 ) about pivot pin 3316 and insert the pin 3314 into that particular new opening 3306. In some embodiments, the latch 3312 may be biased into the pin insertion direction. In any case, the shoulder 3300 can be placed at multiple positions with respect to the frame 2900 as desired by the user, effectively changing the overall length of the crossbow. Thus, for example, the latching mechanism 3310 may be used to position the shoulder 3300 into a first position where the shoulder engaging surface 2904 extends proximally from the frame 2900 of the buttstock 36 a distance D1 (as shown in FIG. 34 ) and into a second position where the shoulder engaging surface 2904 extends proximally from the frame 2900 of the buttstock 36 a distance D2 that is distinct from distance D1 (as shown in FIG. 35 ). Additional relative positions may also be possible in some embodiments — as long as there are sufficient openings 3306 for the latching mechanism 3310 to engage. In some embodiments, not shown, the buttstock 3600 may be equipped with a similar latching mechanism. In yet other embodiments, not shown, buttstock 36 and/or buttstock 3600 may have both a latching mechanism between the buttstock and the main beam and another latching mechanism between the shoulder and the buttstock.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 6, 9, 14, 18 and 20-21 , the buttstock 36 may include one or more storage locations positioned on the bottom of the frame 2900, and thus to the bottom of the main beam 12 in any manner chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. FIG. 9 , for example, shows two storage locations 900 and 902 positioned on the buttstock 36. In some embodiments only one storage location is provided. FIG. 18 , for example, includes only storage location 900. FIG. 20 , alternatively, includes only storage location 902. For the embodiments shown, the storage locations are positioned below the spool shaft axis 804. Storage location 900 is positioned proximal to the spool shaft axis 804 whereas storage location 902 is positioned distal to the spool shaft axis 804. Each storage locations 900, 902 may include a main beam storage surface 906, 908 respectively, to engage the claw storage surface 1402 of the claw 32. Thus, if the claw storage surface 1402 is concave shaped, then the main beam storage surface(s) may be convex shaped and designed to receive the claw 32 for stable storage. If, as with the embodiments shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is convex shaped, then the main beam storage surface(s) may be concave shaped.

With reference now to FIGS. 6, 9, 13-14 and 21-27 , operation of the crossbow 10, especially considering buttstock adjustment, will now be described. Prior to using the crossbow, the desired buttstock should be selected and positioned relative to the main beam and attached to the main beam. The buttstock assembly 610 may be selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: a first buttstock, say buttstock 36, is not attached to the main beam 12; and a second buttstock, say buttstock 3600, is not attached to the main beam 12; 2) a second condition wherein: the first buttstock 36 is attached to the main beam 12 and the second buttstock 3600 is not attached to the main beam 12; and 3) a third condition wherein: the first buttstock 36 is not attached to the main beam 12 and the second buttstock 3600 is attached to the main beam 12. Also, the shoulder may be positioned relative to the buttstock prior to using the crossbow as discussed above.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5-6, 9, 13-14 and 21-27 , operation of the crossbow 10, especially considering claw storage, will now be described Assuming buttstock 36 has been attached to the main beam 12, immediately after the crossbow 10 is fired, the claw 32 may be positioned as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . If desired, the user may then place the claw 32 into a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 does not engage the bowstring 18 and the claw 32 is supported to the bottom side of the buttstock 36, as shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 21 . This movement begins by moving the claw 32 distally from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 beyond the trigger mechanism 60, railing 40 and any other objects that might be supported to the railing such as, for a non-limiting example, a scope 42. The claw 32 may then be lifted upward above the railing 40 and then moved proximally to the position shown in FIG. 22 . The remaining claw motion is depicted sequentially in FIGS. 22-27 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap off of the spools 604 (that is, unwrap from the spools) and wrap onto the housing/wrap surfaces 910. To secure the claw 32 to the main beam 12 in the storage condition, the claw storage surface 1402 of the claw 32, may be engaged to the main beam storage surface. If the crossbow 12 includes two or more storage locations, such as locations 900 and 902 shown in FIG. 9 , then the user may choose the storage location to be used and thus the main beam storage surface to be used. Note that if storage location 902 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap about 360 degrees around the housing rap surface 910. If storage location 900 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap about 180 degrees around the housing rap surface 910.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 5-6, 9, 14 and 21-27 , if the claw 32 is in the storage condition (such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 21 ) and the user wants to move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position, the user may move the claw 32 from the storage condition to the position, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 21 and 27 , to the position shown in FIG. 22 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap off of the housing/wrap surfaces 910 (that is, unwrap from the housing/wrap surfaces 910) and onto the spools 604, 604. This may occur by viewing sequentially FIGS. 27, 26, 25, 24, 23 and 22 . Next, the user may place the claw 32 into the un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 engages the bowstring 18 and the bowstring 18 is in the un-cocked position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may unwrap off of the spools 604, 604. The drawing mechanism 34 can then be operated, such as by rotating receiver 708, to move the claw 32 into the cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 engages the bowstring 18 and the bowstring 18 is in the cocked position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap onto the spools 604, 604.

Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

I/we claim:
 1. A crossbow comprising: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; and 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the first buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the first buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) having a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and
 2. a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; wherein the buttstock assembly is selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam.
 2. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein the shoulder engaging surface of the first buttstock is selectively positionable into: a first position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and a second position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D2 that is distinct from distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow.
 3. The crossbow of claim 2 wherein the shoulder engaging surface of the second buttstock is selectively positionable into: a first position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the second buttstock a distance E1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and a second position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the second buttstock a distance E2 that is distinct from distance E1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow.
 4. The crossbow of claim 2 wherein the shoulder engaging surface of the first buttstock is selectively positionable into: a third position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D3 that is distinct from distances D1 and D2; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow.
 5. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: a first latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the first buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the first buttstock assembly extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A2 that is distinct from distance A1; and 2) detach the first buttstock from the main beam; and a second latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the second buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the second buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the second buttstock assembly extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B2 that is distinct from distance B1; and
 2. detach the second buttstock from the main beam.
 6. The crossbow of claim 5 wherein: the first latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to attach the first buttstock to the main beam at a third position where the frame of the first buttstock assembly extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A3 that is distinct from distances A1 and A2; and the second latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to attach the second buttstock to the main beam a third position where the frame of the second buttstock assembly extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B3 that is distinct from distances B1 and B2.
 7. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein the drawing mechanism includes: a first spool positioned on the right lateral side of the main beam; a second spool positioned on the left lateral side of the main beam; a first cord portion: 1) extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the first spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; a second cord portion: 1) extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the second spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position.
 8. The crossbow of claim 7 wherein: the first buttstock has a storage location; the drawing mechanism is part of a cocking mechanism; the cocking mechanism includes a claw: 1) having a bowstring engagement surface; 2) operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions; 3) selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the storage location; and the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position.
 9. A crossbow comprising: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; and 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock including: (a) a frame; (b) a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame; (c) a first latching mechanism supported to the frame; (d) a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (e) a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and 2) a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; wherein the buttstock assembly is selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam; wherein the first latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the first buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A2 that is distinct from distance A1; and 2) detach the first buttstock from the main beam.
 10. The crossbow of claim 9 wherein: the buttstock engaging surface is a longitudinally extending surface; the main beam engaging surface of the first buttstock is the internal surface of an opening in the first buttstock; and the main beam engaging surface of the second buttstock is the internal surface of an opening in the second buttstock.
 11. The crossbow of claim 9 wherein: a second latching mechanism supported to the frame of the second buttstock; and the second latching mechanism is selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the second buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the second buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the second buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B2 that is distinct from distance B1; and 2) detach the second buttstock from the main beam.
 12. The crossbow of claim 9 wherein the shoulder engaging surface of the first buttstock is selectively positionable into: a first position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and a second position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D2 that is distinct from distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow.
 13. The crossbow of claim 9 wherein the drawing mechanism includes: a first spool positioned on the right lateral side of the main beam; a second spool positioned on the left lateral side of the main beam; a first cord portion: 1) extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the first spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and a second cord portion: 1) extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the second spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position.
 14. The crossbow of claim 13 wherein: the first buttstock has a storage location; the drawing mechanism is part of a cocking mechanism; the cocking mechanism includes a claw: 1) having a bowstring engagement surface; 2) operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions; 3) selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the storage location; and the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position.
 15. A crossbow method comprising the steps of: A) providing a crossbow including: 1) a main beam extending longitudinally and having: (a) a proximal end; (b) a distal end opposite the proximal end; (c) a right lateral side; and (d) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 2) a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: (a) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; (b) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and (c) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs; and 3) a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam; B) providing a buttstock assembly including: 1) a buttstock engaging surface positioned on the proximal end of the main beam; 2) a first buttstock including: (a) a frame; (b) a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame; (c) a first latching mechanism supported to the frame; (d) a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame that is adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (e) a drawing mechanism supported to the frame that is adapted to selectively move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and 3) a second buttstock: (a) having a frame; (b) having a main beam engaging surface supported to the frame that is: (i) adapted to be selectively engaged to the buttstock engaging surface to attach the second buttstock to the main beam; and (ii) adapted to be selectively disengaged from the buttstock engaging surface to detach the second buttstock from the main beam; (c) having a shoulder engaging surface supported to the frame and adapted to contact an associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and (d) lacking any mechanism adapted to move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; C) providing the bowstring to be selectively movable proximally between: 1) an un-cocked position; and 2) a cocked position; D) providing the trigger mechanism to be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; E) providing the buttstock assembly to be selectively adjustable between: 1) a first condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; 2) a second condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and 3) a third condition wherein: (a) the first buttstock is not attached to the main beam; and (b) the second buttstock is attached to the main beam; and F) providing the first latching mechanism to be selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the first buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the first buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance A2 that is distinct from distance A1; and 2) detach the first buttstock from the main beam.
 16. The crossbow method of claim 15 wherein step B comprises the steps of: providing the buttstock engaging surface to be a longitudinally extending surface; providing the main beam engaging surface of the first buttstock to be an internal surface of an opening in the first buttstock; and providing the main beam engaging surface of the second buttstock to be an internal surface of an opening in the second buttstock.
 17. The crossbow method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of: providing a second latching mechanism supported to the frame of the second buttstock; and providing the second latching mechanism to be selectively adjustable to: 1) attach the second buttstock to the main beam: (a) at a first position where the frame of the second buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B1; and (b) at a second position where the frame of the second buttstock extends proximally from the trigger mechanism a distance B2 that is distinct from distance B1; and 2) detach the second buttstock from the main beam.
 18. The crossbow method of claim 15 further comprising the step of providing the shoulder engaging surface of the first buttstock to be selectively positionable into: a first position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow; and a second position where the shoulder engaging surface: 1) extends proximally from the frame of the first buttstock a distance D2 that is distinct from distance D1; and 2) is adapted to contact the associated user's shoulder when firing the crossbow
 19. The crossbow method of claim 15 further comprising the step of providing the drawing mechanism with: a first spool positioned on the right lateral side of the main beam; a second spool positioned on the left lateral side of the main beam; a first cord portion: 1) extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the first spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position; and a second cord portion: 1) extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; 2) operatively engageable to the bowstring; and 3) selectively wrapable onto the second spool when the bowstring is moved from the un-cocked position to the cocked position
 20. The crossbow method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: providing the first buttstock with a storage location; providing the drawing mechanism to be part of a cocking mechanism; providing the cocking mechanism with a claw: 1) having a bowstring engagement surface; 2) operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions; 3) selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the storage location; and providing the drawing mechanism to be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. 